Clinton Gives Freeh Measured Support

Published: March 27, 1997

WASHINGTON, March 26—
President Clinton gave a measured vote of confidence today to Director Louis J. Freeh of the F.B.I., saying, ''I don't have any information at this time which would call into question that confidence.''

Mr. Clinton made his remarks to reporters when asked about a recent decision by Mr. Freeh to deny a White House request for sensitive counterintelligence information on allegations that China tried to influence American politics.

The information was requested last month by Charles F. C. Ruff, the White House counsel, who said he was acting on behalf of the National Security Council, which wanted to help prepare Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright for a visit to China.

Mr. Clinton noted that the F.B.I. had the ''dual obligations'' of sharing with the White House ''information we need to protect and advance national security'' while preserving ''the integrity of criminal investigations.''

''Ultimately,'' he said, ''those things almost have to be resolved on a case-by-case basis, where there is a doubt, by the Attorney General.'' And I'm confident that is what has been and will continue to be done.''